‘Productive’ meeting over massive Lancashire police cuts

LANCASHIRE MPs had a “productive” meeting with a Government minister over plans for massive cuts to the county police force budget.

A delegation of MPs met Policing Minister Mike Penning in London to air their concerns over funding cuts which Lancashire’s Chief Constable Steve Finnigan and Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw say would be “devastating”.

More than 7,000 residents have signed an online petition against the cuts

Mr Grunshaw said today: “I am really grateful to all the MPs who took the time to meet with me and the Chief Constable to discuss the impending review of the funding formula for policing and its potential impact on Lancashire.

“Yesterday they took their concerns to the Policing Minister Mike Penning and have agreed to collectively respond to the latest consultation.

“I understand the meeting was productive and that Mr Penning has asked for detailed concerns to be put in writing.”

The force says that combined with overall police budget cuts of between 25 and 40 per cent, up to £87m could be wiped from the balance sheet.

Mr Grunshaw said; “The Chief Constable and I have already written to the Home Secretary Theresa May and Mr Penning calling for the changes to be put on hold while a robust and detailed analysis can be undertaken.

“The Chief Constable and I continue to work on our response to the latest consultation which is due in by next Friday.

“In the meantime I would urge the people of Lancashire to get behind us and our campaign to cut the cuts.”

Residents can sign the petition started by Save Lancs Police which can be found on Facebook and Twitter or on the Change.org website, or they can write to their MP expressing their concerns.